Literacy at Market Field School

At Market Field School, we are passionate about nurturing confident and enthusiastic readers and writers. We believe that developing a love for reading is key to unlocking the potential of all our students, and we are determined to provide them with the skills and support they need to thrive. Literacy at Market Field is more than just a subject, it is at the heart of our curriculum and is an integral part of our students' education and personal development. We are committed to creating confident, creative, and enthusiastic readers and writers who will carry a lifelong love of literacy with them.

Phonics and Reading Programmes

To support our students’ reading development, we use the Little Wandle Phonics programme in the Primary School, ensuring that all students build strong phonetic foundations from an early age. This systematic approach to phonics helps students decode words, develop fluency, and build the skills they need to access the wider curriculum.

In our Secondary School, we implement the Ruth Miskin Fresh Start Phonics programme. This intervention provides targeted phonics support for older students who need additional help in developing their reading skills. Whether they are just beginning to read or need more practice to strengthen their abilities, our phonics programmes are designed to ensure every student has the opportunity to become a successful reader.

A School-wide Love of Reading

Here at Market Field; we are committed to instilling a lifelong love of reading. To promote this love, we engage students in a wide range of activities throughout the school year. Our students enjoy visits from professional theatre companies who bring stories to life in exciting and interactive ways. We also have a resident author, James Campbell, who shares his work with students and inspires them with his storytelling.

World Book Day is another highlight of our school calendar, where we celebrate the joy of reading with fun, creative activities. Our Student Reading Ambassadors lead the way in encouraging peers to explore new books and share their reading experiences, while Lunch-time Writing Clubs and Workshops offer opportunities for students to express their creativity and improve their writing skills.

Curriculum Coverage and Engagement

Our literacy curriculum is carefully designed to engage, challenge, and motivate students from EYFS through to KS4. We offer a wide range of differentiated texts and activities to suit each student’s individual needs, ensuring that reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills are developed to their fullest potential. By using a variety of text types—from fiction and non-fiction to poetry and drama—we keep learning fresh and exciting for every student.

Personalised Literacy Support

At Market Field School, we understand that every student has individual needs. To ensure that each student reaches their full potential, we provide personalised learning opportunities tailored to their strengths and areas for growth. We focus on key literacy skills such as reading, comprehension, spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPAG), and handwriting during dedicated Personalised Learning Time. This is complemented by targeted interventions and the support of individual EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan) targets to ensure every learner makes meaningful progress.

In addition, we ensure that daily reading is embedded in our school routine, alongside targeted phonics lessons. Students also participate in half-termly Independent Writes, which encourage them to write for different purposes and express their creativity. These regular writing opportunities help students improve their writing skills while developing confidence in their own ability.

Accreditation and Pathways to Success

For our KS4 students, we provide clear pathways for accreditation in English. Students have the opportunity to gain qualifications in a variety of ways, including Entry Level 1, 2, or 3, and Functional Skills Level 1 or 2. These qualifications are tailored to meet the needs of all students and provide them with the skills required for future success, whether they are progressing to further study or preparing for the workplace.